Can I Go to a CHC if I Have Private Insurance

1. Can I Go to a CHC if I Have Private Insurance? Community Health Centers (CHCs) are essential providers of affordable healthcare services, serving people from all walks of life. If you have private insurance, you may be asking, “Can I still go to a health center?” The answer is yes! Community Health Centers are ready to serve your healthcare needs regardless of your insurance status. What Insurance Statuses Are Accepted by CHCs? One of the most significant advantages of visiting a health center is that they accept various insurance statuses, making it easy for those in need to receive care. As such, here is a breakdown of the insurance statuses typically accepted at health centers. Private Insurance If you have private insurance, you can still visit a CHC. Though this depends on your policy and coverage, you may benefit from reduced out-of-pocket costs by visiting an in-network health center. However, you should check beforehand to ensure that a local health center is in your insurance network. Medicaid Medicaid provides coverage to millions of individuals, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with disabilities. Each Community Health Center accepts Medicaid, so you can receive quality health care if you are a Medicaid beneficiary. Likewise, if you are interested in learning more about the Medicaid eligibility guidelines, you can contact our team at OKPCA for further assistance. Underinsured Underinsured individuals refer to those who have health insurance, but the coverage does not sufficiently meet their healthcare needs. This could be because the plan has high deductibles, co-pays, or may not cover certain services. Community Health Centers can help fill these gaps by providing the high-quality care needed to live a healthy life. No Insurance Community Health Centers serve those without insurance as well. By offering services on a sliding fee scale, the cost of services adjusts based on your income. Whether you have recently lost your employer-provided insurance, aged out of your parent’s policy, or cannot

2. afford insurance on your own, health centers allow you to get the care you need, even without insurance. Community Health Centers may accept other insurance options as well, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you are unsure if your policy covers the services you need from a health center, reach out to your insurance provider or the health center for more information. Why You Should Find a Community Health Center A Community Health Center focuses on delivering essential healthcare services to underserved communities. They are committed to ensuring that nobody is turned away, serving as a critical healthcare resource for individuals across various insurance statuses. Whether you have Medicaid or are without insurance altogether, you may choose to find a Community Health Center because: You can receive affordable care. A sliding fee scale based on your income is used to determine the amount you will pay for services at a health center. This makes these services more affordable and accessible. ● They offer comprehensive services. Health centers offer a range of services, which can include primary care, dental and vision services, mental health support, and more. These centers are designed to meet multiple needs under one roof. ● Their care is patient and community-focused. Health centers have a deep understanding of the health-related needs of their community and patients, focusing on improving the health of the whole person by providing integrated care. ● Find a Community Health Center With OKPCA If you are without insurance, have private insurance, or are looking for a provider that accepts Medicaid, consider visiting a local Community Health Center! Our team at the Oklahoma Primary Care Association (OKPCA) would be happy to assist you in finding a health center in your community that meets your needs, regardless of whether you are insured, underinsured, or uninsured. We can also help connect you to affordable health coverage options like Medicaid. You can use our map to narrow down health centers by the services you need and location. For assistance, please reach out to us at OKPCA.